Links between inflammatory pain and nightshade vegetables

There is a lot of "good" in nightshade vegetables like tomatoes.  They are high in vitamin C, potassium and lycopene.  Lycopene is known to protect from cancer and has anti-inflammatory affects.

Now the "bad"

Like medications, sometimes the side-effects or drawbacks are worse than the benefits.  In the case of tomatoes and other nightshade vegetables, they produce a toxin called solanine which may be worse than the lycopene is good.  Solanine is an alkaloid and is toxic in high quantities.   Though most of the nightshade vegetables have only trace amounts, solanine in thought to contribute to inflammation, joint discomfort and swelling.    The most common nightshade vegetables are tomatoes, eggplants, white potatoes, cayenne pepper, paprika and bell peppers.  Sweet potatoes are free of solanine and are a common replacement for these vegetables since they are rich in similar vitamins, but are not known to cause inflammation. 

Confusing data

However, there is no strong evidence that nightshade vegetables precipitate arthritis itself.  Instead studies have shown that removing these vegetables may alleviate inflammation for those who already suffer from arthritis.  But, the inflammation was likely not caused by the tomato itself, rather it is thought to be a contributer. 

Arthritis Foundation disagrees 

The Arthritis Foundation's position is that these vegetables do not actually aggravate arthritis symptoms or contribute to inflammation.  However, they do indicate that if a person feels certain foods, such as tomatoes, trigger their symptoms of arthritis, they should avoid these foods.

Other ways to reduce inflammation

In addition to changing one's diet to reduce symptoms of arthritis or generalized inflammation; you can add spices to your diet such as turmeric or ginger and foods rich in Omega 3-fatty acids.  All of which have anti-inflammatory properties.  Foods rich in anti-oxidants are thought to reduce soft tissue damage as a result of inflammation.  Always check with your physician first before starting any wholistic measures, such as those noted in this article, and to rule out other possible diagnosis or options for medications.  

-OurDMK.com



Disclaimer

The information provided by respective owner's ("we", "us" or "our) on Divorce Me Knot (referenced also as "DivorceMeKnot.com", "dmk", "DMK", "OurDMK.com", "OurDMK", "application" or "site") is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change with or without notice. All information on our site and application is provided in good faith, however we make no representation, guarantee or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, validity, adequacy, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the site or application.

The information in articles and all content on this site should not be considered psychological or behavioral health therapy, counseling or legal, financial, real estate, mortgage, insurance or professional advice. It should not be used in place of professional advice from a licensed professional or credentialed expert. Providers of content on this site, herein known as "Contributors" (inclusive of, but not limited to writers, bloggers, editors, employees, developers, graphic designers, advertisers, partners, affiliates, references, experts, professionals and site owners) are not legally liable for any misinformation, errors or omissions. Names, details and images may have been changed in the content of this site.

Under no circumstances should DMK and/or it's Contributors have any liability to users of the site for any loss or damage incurred to users as a result of the use of this site or application or reliance of any information provided on the site or application. Use of the site or application and reliance on any information from the site or application is solely at the user's own risk.

For complete site disclaimers review "Disclaimers" on this site or click the link below.

Read Complete Site Disclaimers Here